St. Andrew United Methodist Church Sermons

A man named Timothy is a coworker in ministry alongside the apostle Paul, known for being the young apprentice with whom Paul engages in mentorship. In 1Timothy, Paul is greatly concerned with the authentic teachings of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the danger of misinformation of false teachers in his era. Over two millennium, our concern was hardly wavered – are we not still concerned about reality and discerning what is ‘fake news'? This was a rightful concern then, as it is now. What then does the minister, Paul, recommend as attributes when discerning teachings of God? That the work of God would be advanced through sincere faith, a good conscience, and pure heart. Thus, these are qualities for which we can pray! In the whole of Scripture, it is clear that God's hope for humanity is that we would rightly desire God – above anything and everything else. There is no other Gospel than Christ.

A man named Timothy is a coworker in ministry alongside the apostle Paul, known for being the young apprentice with whom Paul engages in mentorship. In 1Timothy, Paul is greatly concerned with the authentic teachings of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the danger of misinformation of false teachers in his era. Over two millennium, our concern was hardly wavered – are we not still concerned about reality and discerning what is ‘fake news'? This was a rightful concern then, as it is now. What then does the minister, Paul, recommend as attributes when discerning teachings of God? That the work of God would be advanced through sincere faith, a good conscience, and pure heart. Thus, these are qualities for which we can pray! In the whole of Scripture, it is clear that God's hope for humanity is that we would rightly desire God – above anything and everything else. There is no other Gospel than Christ.

A man named Timothy is a coworker in ministry alongside the apostle Paul, known for being the young apprentice with whom Paul engages in mentorship. In 1Timothy, Paul is greatly concerned with the authentic teachings of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the danger of misinformation of false teachers in his era. Over two millennium, our concern was hardly wavered – are we not still concerned about reality and discerning what is ‘fake news'? This was a rightful concern then, as it is now. What then does the minister, Paul, recommend as attributes when discerning teachings of God? That the work of God would be advanced through sincere faith, a good conscience, and pure heart. Thus, these are qualities for which we can pray! In the whole of Scripture, it is clear that God's hope for humanity is that we would rightly desire God – above anything and everything else. There is no other Gospel than Christ.

Paul's journeys are arduous and complicated, as evidenced when he arrives in Jerusalem. There he is met with persecution, in which he is presented before the Sanhedrin to be tried; and he is ultimately arrested. Throughout it all, Paul's dedication to the Way, the Gospel of Christ, is grounded in his experience of his conversion which he takes the time to present in speech before crowds of people. It is his very testimony and recalling this conversion that initiates this persecution upon himself. We are to look at Paul and his trial, arrest, and release from prison as an example of what clinging tightly to the Gospel is worth – with God on our side, we never go about the work of the Way alone.

Paul's journeys are arduous and complicated, as evidenced when he arrives in Jerusalem. There he is met with persecution, in which he is presented before the Sanhedrin to be tried; and he is ultimately arrested. Throughout it all, Paul's dedication to the Way, the Gospel of Christ, is grounded in his experience of his conversion which he takes the time to present in speech before crowds of people. It is his very testimony and recalling this conversion that initiates this persecution upon himself. We are to look at Paul and his trial, arrest, and release from prison as an example of what clinging tightly to the Gospel is worth – with God on our side, we never go about the work of the Way alone.

Paul's journeys are arduous and complicated, as evidenced when he arrives in Jerusalem. There he is met with persecution, in which he is presented before the Sanhedrin to be tried; and he is ultimately arrested. Throughout it all, Paul's dedication to the Way, the Gospel of Christ, is grounded in his experience of his conversion which he takes the time to present in speech before crowds of people. It is his very testimony and recalling this conversion that initiates this persecution upon himself. We are to look at Paul and his trial, arrest, and release from prison as an example of what clinging tightly to the Gospel is worth – with God on our side, we never go about the work of the Way alone.

A deeply gratifying experience is to have people in your life in whom you can trust. Of course, Paul tells us that Christ is our hope and is worthy of our steadfast trust forever. But in addition, like us, Paul has confidants and trusted partners in whom he refers to throughout his letters. When concluding his text to Romans, Paul takes the time to thoughtfully thank them in appreciation, and send onward his greeting of grace and peace. Among those listed are prominent women: Phoebe, Priscilla, Mary, and Junia, among others. The radicality of this gesture lies within the historical context of 1st century AD in the Greco-Roman empire: a place and time in which women were treated without any respect, dignity, equality, or worth. The choice that Paul makes when entrusting Phoebe, a leader in the church as a deacon whom he calls ‘sister', to carry his long letter to the Romans is no small task. Paul refers to Priscilla as a coworker in Christ Jesus. What does this mean for the Christian movement? It takes all of us. Diverse people, united in mission.

A deeply gratifying experience is to have people in your life in whom you can trust. Of course, Paul tells us that Christ is our hope and is worthy of our steadfast trust forever. But in addition, like us, Paul has confidants and trusted partners in whom he refers to throughout his letters. When concluding his text to Romans, Paul takes the time to thoughtfully thank them in appreciation, and send onward his greeting of grace and peace. Among those listed are prominent women: Phoebe, Priscilla, Mary, and Junia, among others. The radicality of this gesture lies within the historical context of 1st century AD in the Greco-Roman empire: a place and time in which women were treated without any respect, dignity, equality, or worth. The choice that Paul makes when entrusting Phoebe, a leader in the church as a deacon whom he calls ‘sister', to carry his long letter to the Romans is no small task. Paul refers to Priscilla as a coworker in Christ Jesus. What does this mean for the Christian movement? It takes all of us. Diverse people, united in mission.

A deeply gratifying experience is to have people in your life in whom you can trust. Of course, Paul tells us that Christ is our hope and is worthy of our steadfast trust forever. But in addition, like us, Paul has confidants and trusted partners in whom he refers to throughout his letters. When concluding his text to Romans, Paul takes the time to thoughtfully thank them in appreciation, and send onward his greeting of grace and peace. Among those listed are prominent women: Phoebe, Priscilla, Mary, and Junia, among others. The radicality of this gesture lies within the historical context of 1st century AD in the Greco-Roman empire: a place and time in which women were treated without any respect, dignity, equality, or worth. The choice that Paul makes when entrusting Phoebe, a leader in the church as a deacon whom he calls ‘sister', to carry his long letter to the Romans is no small task. Paul refers to Priscilla as a coworker in Christ Jesus. What does this mean for the Christian movement? It takes all of us. Diverse people, united in mission.

The best part about a team is that each individual member brings something unique to the collective whole for the purpose of advancing toward the team's goal. Paul's writings serve to spread this idea in the early Christian faith as he encourages the hearers of his letter to the Romans to not only discern their individual gifts (given graciously to them by God), but moreover to put them in action. Here, ‘the team' is the body of Christ. As Paul has written before, a key element of his ministry is focused on unifying a diverse group of people, to advance the mission given to him by Christ. How can one ever endure this mission if they are lost in conforming to the (fleeting, faulted, and frail) pattern of this world...no, rather we must be “transformed by the renewing of [our] minds” as he writes in Romans 12:2!

The best part about a team is that each individual member brings something unique to the collective whole for the purpose of advancing toward the team's goal. Paul's writings serve to spread this idea in the early Christian faith as he encourages the hearers of his letter to the Romans to not only discern their individual gifts (given graciously to them by God), but moreover to put them in action. Here, ‘the team' is the body of Christ. As Paul has written before, a key element of his ministry is focused on unifying a diverse group of people, to advance the mission given to him by Christ. How can one ever endure this mission if they are lost in conforming to the (fleeting, faulted, and frail) pattern of this world...no, rather we must be “transformed by the renewing of [our] minds” as he writes in Romans 12:2!

The best part about a team is that each individual member brings something unique to the collective whole for the purpose of advancing toward the team's goal. Paul's writings serve to spread this idea in the early Christian faith as he encourages the hearers of his letter to the Romans to not only discern their individual gifts (given graciously to them by God), but moreover to put them in action. Here, ‘the team' is the body of Christ. As Paul has written before, a key element of his ministry is focused on unifying a diverse group of people, to advance the mission given to him by Christ. How can one ever endure this mission if they are lost in conforming to the (fleeting, faulted, and frail) pattern of this world...no, rather we must be “transformed by the renewing of [our] minds” as he writes in Romans 12:2!

Paul's writings often reflect the high expectations that God has for God's people. Through Jesus Christ, the invisible God is made visible, as Paul writes in Colossians 1:15. Since the beginning, God has been about the business of reconciling us back to God, in loving-kindness. But now, in a new way, Paul highlights the crucial role Jesus has in this mission . . . and the supremacy of the Son of God, as he describes, is far beyond our wildest dreams. In Jesus, who is both fully God and fully man, we are given the example of the actions and attributes of a life in right relationship with God. Paul correctly treats this with the intensity it deserves – by writing in his letter to Colossae the ways in which maturity in Christ is not only ideal, but expected. In fact, this maturity will yield real transformation, by growing in our relationships, movements, and conversations so that our very existence serves as a pointer to the Light of Light, true God of true God.

Paul's writings often reflect the high expectations that God has for God's people. Through Jesus Christ, the invisible God is made visible, as Paul writes in Colossians 1:15. Since the beginning, God has been about the business of reconciling us back to God, in loving-kindness. But now, in a new way, Paul highlights the crucial role Jesus has in this mission . . . and the supremacy of the Son of God, as he describes, is far beyond our wildest dreams. In Jesus, who is both fully God and fully man, we are given the example of the actions and attributes of a life in right relationship with God. Paul correctly treats this with the intensity it deserves – by writing in his letter to Colossae the ways in which maturity in Christ is not only ideal, but expected. In fact, this maturity will yield real transformation, by growing in our relationships, movements, and conversations so that our very existence serves as a pointer to the Light of Light, true God of true God.

Paul spends considerable time imprisoned in Ephesus during his third journey and writes several letters preserved in the NT, including the letter to the Philippians. A couple of things are clear from the letter. First, Paul is clearly very close to the Philippians; they hold a special place in his heart. Second, he thinks his end may be near and writes in that context. So, he urges the Philippian believers toward genuine Christ-likeness, esp. in the prelude to the Christ-hymn of 2:8-11. To have the same mind as Christ, which was revealed in Jesus' humility and obedience . . . “to death, even death on a cross.” This leads us to the second passage from later in the letter. Here, Paul reminds the Philippians that everything . . . everything . . . even what we value most in life . . . falls away in comparison to knowing Christ, for this knowing is unsurpassable. What does this say about the priorities in our lives?

We continue in 1 Corinthians, and it is Communion Sunday, so an obvious Scripture choice is to comment on the abuses laid out 1 Corinthians 11 and note the already-formed traditions in 11:23-26. This is the oldest writing we have on the Lord's supper. 1 Corinthians 13 has become such an oft-used wedding piece, we'd almost think that was the occasion for its writing. It was not. The Corinthians have an over-spiritualized understanding of the Christian life, so Paul urges them to remember all the spiritual gifts they might claim pale next to the gift of love. Even a quick reading of the chapter reveals that even this theology is eschatological for Paul, looking ahead to the day when love will be complete. For a Wesleyan, love is where we begin to understand the nature of God and his work in this world.

We continue in 1 Corinthians, and it is Communion Sunday, so an obvious Scripture choice is to comment on the abuses laid out 1 Corinthians 11 and note the already-formed traditions in 11:23-26. This is the oldest writing we have on the Lord's supper. 1 Corinthians 13 has become such an oft-used wedding piece, we'd almost think that was the occasion for its writing. It was not. The Corinthians have an over-spiritualized understanding of the Christian life, so Paul urges them to remember all the spiritual gifts they might claim pale next to the gift of love. Even a quick reading of the chapter reveals that even this theology is eschatological for Paul, looking ahead to the day when love will be complete. For a Wesleyan, love is where we begin to understand the nature of God and his work in this world.

It is easy to miss the transition from Paul's 2nd journey to his 3rd in Acts 18 (verses 22 & 23). During the course of this 3rd journey (map), Paul writes several letters to Christian communities he founded, including the house churches in Corinth, where a plethora of issues and problems have arisen. Not surprisingly Paul begins the letter we know as 1 Corinthians with a call for unity (1:10-17). It will not be the last time Paul urges unity in this long letter. Further, Paul also urges the Corinthians to remember that the cross reveals God's power and wisdom, set against the views of the world. This is, in part, why it is so hard for us to remain united and lift up the enduring truths of God's work set forth in the pages of Scripture. The Gospel is profoundly counter-cultural; it is the world turned upside-down.

We return to Paul's second journey and two pivotal stops. In Athens, Paul preaches to the intellectual heart of the Greco-Roman world, in terms that will speak to them. He tells them about one true God and that the time for judgment has come. And the proof? The resurrection of Jesus. Some wanted to hear more, some sneered. Much like 2022. Paul goes on to Corinth, where he spends eighteen months and meets Priscilla and Aquila, who will become early leaders in the church. Paul set up his tent-making business alongside theirs, working with them and “reasoning” in the synagogue every Sabbath “trying to persuade Jews and Greeks” (18:4). And how did he reason? From the Hebrew scriptures outward to Jesus. Just as we are called to sit down today and reason together about our differences, on the basis of the authority of Scriptures. As usual, once it became too difficult with the Jews in Corinth, Paul went on to preaching to the Gentiles.

We return to Paul's second journey and two pivotal stops. In Athens, Paul preaches to the intellectual heart of the Greco-Roman world, in terms that will speak to them. He tells them about one true God and that the time for judgment has come. And the proof? The resurrection of Jesus. Some wanted to hear more, some sneered. Much like 2022. Paul goes on to Corinth, where he spends eighteen months and meets Priscilla and Aquila, who will become early leaders in the church. Paul set up his tent-making business alongside theirs, working with them and “reasoning” in the synagogue every Sabbath “trying to persuade Jews and Greeks” (18:4). And how did he reason? From the Hebrew scriptures outward to Jesus. Just as we are called to sit down today and reason together about our differences, on the basis of the authority of Scriptures. As usual, once it became too difficult with the Jews in Corinth, Paul went on to preaching to the Gentiles.

Paul was not only the founder of many Christian communities, he continued to be their “senior pastor,” writing back to them and even visiting some on later trips. One such community is Thessalonica, where there had been trouble with some of the Jews in the city who had rejected Paul's message. 1 and 2 Thessalonians are early letters (AD 50/51) written not long after Paul's first visit. 1 Thessalonians opens with a lengthy thanksgiving (1:2-10) for the faithful disciples, who had become imitators of Paul and Jesus. Paul commends them to all of Achaia (the Greek mainland south of Macedonia), for their faith has become known everywhere (1:8). May the same be true of us! 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 is one of many calls from Paul for the believers to “stand firm and hold fast to the teachings” Paul had passed on to them (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

Paul's 2nd journey cements his mission to the Gentiles, as he travels through Asia Minor and then across into Macedonia and Greece. He continues to found new communities of believers. Early on, he meets Timothy who becomes one of Paul's most important associates. In Philippi, Paul meets Lydia, who embraces the Gospel. Always on the move, Paul is chased out of Thessalonica and embraced in Berea. In Corinth, Paul meets Priscilla and her husband, Aquila, who become leaders in the early church. In all this, we see the Holy Spirit at work: sending Paul westward (Acts 16:6-10), opening hearts to the truth of the Gospel, gathering new leaders, even springing Paul and Silas from jail in Philippi (16:16-40). The Spirit will not be held back, instead pressing Paul ever forward. The work of the Spirit continues in us all even now.

Paul's 2nd journey cements his mission to the Gentiles, as he travels through Asia Minor and then across into Macedonia and Greece. He continues to found new communities of believers. Early on, he meets Timothy who becomes one of Paul's most important associates. In Philippi, Paul meets Lydia, who embraces the Gospel. Always on the move, Paul is chased out of Thessalonica and embraced in Berea. In Corinth, Paul meets Priscilla and her husband, Aquila, who become leaders in the early church. In all this, we see the Holy Spirit at work: sending Paul westward (Acts 16:6-10), opening hearts to the truth of the Gospel, gathering new leaders, even springing Paul and Silas from jail in Philippi (16:16-40). The Spirit will not be held back, instead pressing Paul ever forward. The work of the Spirit continues in us all even now.

Galatians is perhaps the earliest of Paul's letters in the NT. Written to Christian communities in central Asia Minor, between his first and second missionary journeys. The letter reveals that these churches have significant problems, even falling prey to those spreading a pseudo-Gospel. Paul writes with a strong edge – for what could matter more than this spreading of the Good News. Not surprisingly, Paul's touches on the three themes in this series, as will most of this letter: stay true to the authentic Gospel, remain unified as the reborn people of God, and grow in Christ-likeness, i.e., in the fruit of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us all.

Galatians is perhaps the earliest of Paul's letters in the NT. Written to Christian communities in central Asia Minor, between his first and second missionary journeys. The letter reveals that these churches have significant problems, even falling prey to those spreading a pseudo-Gospel. Paul writes with a strong edge – for what could matter more than this spreading of the Good News. Not surprisingly, Paul's touches on the three themes in this series, as will most of this letter: stay true to the authentic Gospel, remain unified as the reborn people of God, and grow in Christ-likeness, i.e., in the fruit of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us all.

Emerging from fifteen years being readied to be the apostle to the Gentiles, Paul and his traveling companion, Barnabas, make a trip into Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey. Luke lets us listen on Paul the preacher as he speaks first to a gathering of Jews and God-fearers. Paul begins with the story of the Exodus and brings it forward to Jesus, through whom everyone is set free from sin, a righteousness that could not be obtained through the Law of Moses (13:39).

Emerging from fifteen years being readied to be the apostle to the Gentiles, Paul and his traveling companion, Barnabas, make a trip into Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey. Luke lets us listen on Paul the preacher as he speaks first to a gathering of Jews and God-fearers. Paul begins with the story of the Exodus and brings it forward to Jesus, through whom everyone is set free from sin, a righteousness that could not be obtained through the Law of Moses (13:39).

What a surprising God we worship. Who would guess that God would become incarnate with the humblest of beginnings? Who would guess that this same God would choose a zealous Pharisee, an ardent persecutor of Jesus' earliest followers to carry the Good News to the Gentile world? But God did just that. The persecutor Saul becomes the apostle Paul, traveling the Roman Empire to begin colonies of a new human race, those who put their faith in Jesus and were, consequently, reborn.

What a surprising God we worship. Who would guess that God would become incarnate with the humblest of beginnings? Who would guess that this same God would choose a zealous Pharisee, an ardent persecutor of Jesus' earliest followers to carry the Good News to the Gentile world? But God did just that. The persecutor Saul becomes the apostle Paul, traveling the Roman Empire to begin colonies of a new human race, those who put their faith in Jesus and were, consequently, reborn.

What a surprising God we worship. Who would guess that God would become incarnate with the humblest of beginnings? Who would guess that this same God would choose a zealous Pharisee, an ardent persecutor of Jesus' earliest followers to carry the Good News to the Gentile world? But God did just that. The persecutor Saul becomes the apostle Paul, traveling the Roman Empire to begin colonies of a new human race, those who put their faith in Jesus and were, consequently, reborn.

What a surprising God we worship. Who would guess that God would become incarnate with the humblest of beginnings? Who would guess that this same God would choose a zealous Pharisee, an ardent persecutor of Jesus' earliest followers to carry the Good News to the Gentile world? But God did just that. The persecutor Saul becomes the apostle Paul, traveling the Roman Empire to begin colonies of a new human race, those who put their faith in Jesus and were, consequently, reborn.

Why do we worship a God who is “one in three and three in one?” The Trinity is the most crucial and yet one of the most confusing parts of our Christian doctrine. It is also easy to make the mistake of assuming the Trinity did not exist as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit until the New Testament. Yet we worship a God who is unchanging, and the Old Testament shows us that our Trinitarian God has been and will always be from the very first words of scripture.

Why do we worship a God who is “one in three and three in one?” The Trinity is the most crucial and yet one of the most confusing parts of our Christian doctrine. It is also easy to make the mistake of assuming the Trinity did not exist as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit until the New Testament. Yet we worship a God who is unchanging, and the Old Testament shows us that our Trinitarian God has been and will always be from the very first words of scripture.

The world gives us a very specific image of leadership, and yet scripture in the Old and New Testaments show us that God calls us to lead through service. Deborah was a non-anxious presence offering wisdom, Peter's mother chose to serve in response to Christ's healing, and the women at the tomb were prepared to serve before they were transformed into the first evangelists of Christ's resurrection. The message of scripture is consistent: we are called to lead by service.

The world gives us a very specific image of leadership, and yet scripture in the Old and New Testaments show us that God calls us to lead through service. Deborah was a non-anxious presence offering wisdom, Peter's mother chose to serve in response to Christ's healing, and the women at the tomb were prepared to serve before they were transformed into the first evangelists of Christ's resurrection. The message of scripture is consistent: we are called to lead by service.

God fulfills God's promises, plain and simple. Since the time of Genesis God has set aside people to act on God's behalf here on earth, and we have seen leaders rise up like Moses to bring God's people through challenges and into new life. Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the quintessential leader, set apart to do what no other prophet or priest could.

God fulfills God's promises, plain and simple. Since the time of Genesis God has set aside people to act on God's behalf here on earth, and we have seen leaders rise up like Moses to bring God's people through challenges and into new life. Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the quintessential leader, set apart to do what no other prophet or priest could.

The threads tying the Old and New Testaments together matter deeply, not just for us but for the people who encountered Jesus face to face. Christ was sent here on a mission, and yet God chooses to always include humanity in the work of God's Kingdom. Any Jewish person in the first century would recognize the weight and importance of John the Baptist's words and actions. John was sent as the new Elijah to prepare the way for Christ, the new Moses (which we will learn about next week!).

The threads tying the Old and New Testaments together matter deeply, not just for us but for the people who encountered Jesus face to face. Christ was sent here on a mission, and yet God chooses to always include humanity in the work of God's Kingdom. Any Jewish person in the first century would recognize the weight and importance of John the Baptist's words and actions. John was sent as the new Elijah to prepare the way for Christ, the new Moses (which we will learn about next week!).

Just as we take communion for granted, we often forget that baptism is a ritual that connects us not only with the people of the New Testament and Christ himself, but with so many of those who came before us in the pages of the Old Testament. God has been inviting God's people into a new life, putting our “whole trust in his grace,” from the beginning of creation, and we are called to be part of that holy covenant.

Just as we take communion for granted, we often forget that baptism is a ritual that connects us not only with the people of the New Testament and Christ himself, but with so many of those who came before us in the pages of the Old Testament. God has been inviting God's people into a new life, putting our “whole trust in his grace,” from the beginning of creation, and we are called to be part of that holy covenant.

Even though communion is a sacrament we participate in every month, it can be easy to miss the deep connections from our communion table to the Passover meal and salvation of God's people in Egypt. Just as they were freed from slavery and rescued into a new life of promise, we are “freed from slavery to sin and death,” and invited to recommit to the life of Christ.

Even though communion is a sacrament we participate in every month, it can be easy to miss the deep connections from our communion table to the Passover meal and salvation of God's people in Egypt. Just as they were freed from slavery and rescued into a new life of promise, we are “freed from slavery to sin and death,” and invited to recommit to the life of Christ.

How do we put together the law of the Old Testament and the love of Christ's message in the New Testament? This is one of the greatest challenges many face in their journey of reading scripture, and yet the law of the Old and New Testaments add up to the same thing: Love the Lord your God, love your neighbor as yourself.

How do we put together the law of the Old Testament and the love of Christ's message in the New Testament? This is one of the greatest challenges many face in their journey of reading scripture, and yet the law of the Old and New Testaments add up to the same thing: Love the Lord your God, love your neighbor as yourself.

Acts 6. The New Heaven and the New Earth. God's final work of the cosmos is done, and humanity lives in fully restored relationship with God and the rest of creation. This is where we're headed. That ending is inevitable. In the meantime, while we're still in Act 5, what is our responsibility towards moving us to that grand finale? Heaven has a lot of descriptions, but what will it be really? It's a feast; a banquet. There is no more hurting or pain, but instead there is love and community. Will we be there? Will everyone be there? What is necessary for us to get to experience Heaven? Like any finale for a series, there are a lot of questions to be answered. The one thing we can say with confidence is: It will all be set right. What started Good will end Good.

Acts 6. The New Heaven and the New Earth. God's final work of the cosmos is done, and humanity lives in fully restored relationship with God and the rest of creation. This is where we're headed. That ending is inevitable. In the meantime, while we're still in Act 5, what is our responsibility towards moving us to that grand finale? Heaven has a lot of descriptions, but what will it be really? It's a feast; a banquet. There is no more hurting or pain, but instead there is love and community. Will we be there? Will everyone be there? What is necessary for us to get to experience Heaven? Like any finale for a series, there are a lot of questions to be answered. The one thing we can say with confidence is: It will all be set right. What started Good will end Good.

Last week, the church leaders came to an understanding on how the Christian way of life was applicable for both Jews and Gentiles. The timing was perfect because the church was rapidly expanding into different nations and regions. What the early church leaders quickly realized was the universal nature of Jesus's message of grace and redemption. Paul began to plant church communities in different cities, appealing to the culture and language of that group. (e.g. When Paul was writing to a culture that venerated military service, he used military analogy and language.) This same universality of the Church continues to exist today. The church is rapidly expanding in different countries such as those in Africa and Asia. Yet it is also growing in areas around the US. Every time we engage with other stories, backgrounds, and cultures, we have the opportunity to see God in a deeper and more meaningful way. Paul discusses God from several different perspectives in his Epistles, and as a result, the language used around God reflects the people he was writing to. None of this contradicts itself, and in every letter, we see a fuller picture of God.

Last week, the church leaders came to an understanding on how the Christian way of life was applicable for both Jews and Gentiles. The timing was perfect because the church was rapidly expanding into different nations and regions. What the early church leaders quickly realized was the universal nature of Jesus's message of grace and redemption. Paul began to plant church communities in different cities, appealing to the culture and language of that group. (e.g. When Paul was writing to a culture that venerated military service, he used military analogy and language.) This same universality of the Church continues to exist today. The church is rapidly expanding in different countries such as those in Africa and Asia. Yet it is also growing in areas around the US. Every time we engage with other stories, backgrounds, and cultures, we have the opportunity to see God in a deeper and more meaningful way. Paul discusses God from several different perspectives in his Epistles, and as a result, the language used around God reflects the people he was writing to. None of this contradicts itself, and in every letter, we see a fuller picture of God.

John of Patmos, or John the Revelator, offers us the final piece of scripture to round out the bible. The book of Revelation has long been the most misunderstood aspect of scripture since its inception. It is and apocalyptic writing that was customary at the time. Apocalyptic in this context is not world ending destruction however, but instead it is a great unveiling of previously unknown information. In this case, it is full of fantastical imagery, wild prophecy, and laced through it all is the image of Christ and his final redemption of the world. Much like every other book of the Bible, the words in these pages are historical, contextual, and relevant to our daily lives. The imagery of the beasts in Revelation are specific references to worldly people, groups, and events happening to the early church when this was written. WYet we can find meaning in those images for our lives as well. The questions for us to ponder in this book is why it was written, what were all these confusing symbols representing, and what do they mean for us today. More importantly, how do we understand the importance of revelation today? What is the difference between the words of these pages, and the words of the preachers of St. Andrew? Or any other church leader for that matter? Can we have revelation, and if so, how do we recognize it?  

John of Patmos, or John the Revelator, offers us the final piece of scripture to round out the bible. The book of Revelation has long been the most misunderstood aspect of scripture since its inception. It is and apocalyptic writing that was customary at the time. Apocalyptic in this context is not world ending destruction however, but instead it is a great unveiling of previously unknown information. In this case, it is full of fantastical imagery, wild prophecy, and laced through it all is the image of Christ and his final redemption of the world. Much like every other book of the Bible, the words in these pages are historical, contextual, and relevant to our daily lives. The imagery of the beasts in Revelation are specific references to worldly people, groups, and events happening to the early church when this was written. WYet we can find meaning in those images for our lives as well. The questions for us to ponder in this book is why it was written, what were all these confusing symbols representing, and what do they mean for us today. More importantly, how do we understand the importance of revelation today? What is the difference between the words of these pages, and the words of the preachers of St. Andrew? Or any other church leader for that matter? Can we have revelation, and if so, how do we recognize it?